Anthony (Tony) Palmer Barber, 96, of 22 Bridge St. Sidney, NY, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Tony was born in Middletown, NY on Palm Sunday, April 13, 1930 to the late Peter Barber and Marguerite (Mazzarella) Barber.

Tony joined the U.S. Air Force in 1948 where he worked as a mechanic on B-29's as he served his country during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he made his way to Sidney, NY, where he worked at a variety of jobs before being hired at Scintilla (Bendix, Amphenol). Tony worked on building and repairing magnetos for airplanes and after nearly 4 decades of service to the company, he retired. Many may remember Tony as the "Electrolux Guy on Bridge Street." Tony sold and repaired Electrolux vacuum cleaners to many customers in the area, in addition to his job at Amphenol.

Tony was a devoted parishioner at The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sidney, NY, where he served as an usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also served as the Church's resident Santa and each Christmas Eve would walk a birthday cake down the aisle to Baby Jesus, as requested by Father Gordon. This was a job he most certainly cherished. Tony was also a lifelong member of the Sidney Fire Department with 70+ years of service. He belonged to the Hook and Ladder and Phelps Hose companies. Tony dedicated much of his life to the Fire Department in every capacity from kitchen cook to fire fighter. Tony also belonged to the Sidney VFW where he served as Commander for a term. He helped as a Boy Scout assistant leader to his sons' Scout Troop #88. Tony was an avid hunter in his early years and took his boys to Sheep Pen Road, where they made memories together deer hunting. Later in life, Tony developed an interest in working with and creating stained glass lamps, figurines and sun-catchers as gifts for his family. Tony also loved his "cowboys"; watching many westerns on TV and reading from his collection of Louis L'Amour books. Tony rebuilt 22 Bridge St. from front to back and top to bottom over the 65 years that he and his family lived there.

Tony was the beloved husband of Joan (MacDonald) Barber, who survives him. Tony and Joan were married in October 1954 and spent 71 years together.

Tony is also survived by his 3 sons: Anthony, of Fenwick, MI; Steven (Kristin) of Winston-Salem, NC; and David (Cynthia) of Largo, FL.

His surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren include: Michael (Sarah) Barber and sons, Levi and Jacob of Chesterfield, MI; Leah (Shane) Long and children, Noah, Grayson and Ellie of Oneonta, NY; Alyce (Travis) Parker and children, Blake, Natalie, Lauren and Avalon of Louisville, CO; Stephanie (Jameson) West and sons, Landon and Logan of Winston-Salem, NC; and Joshua (Jeannie) Barber of Largo, FL.

Tony is also survived by his brother-in-law, John (Ruthie) MacDonald of Binghamton, NY and their families.

A big part of Joan and Tony's lives centered around the relationships created with their friends and neighbors on Bridge Street. Their closeness and willingness to help each other was unprecedented.

Tony was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Frank, Peter, Mary and Angie.

Tony loved a good laugh, a good scotch and good company!

"I'll see ya, when I see ya!"

There will be a Funeral Mass officiated by Father Ben on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 12:00 noon in The Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 15 Liberty St, Sidney, NY. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Delaware Valley Humane Society, 17420 Co Rd 23, Sidney, NY 13838.

Arrangements are by C.H. Landers, Inc. Funeral Chapel, Sidney, NY.